Track-coupling.



PATENTED OCT. 16, 1906.

A. P. BOYER. TRACK COUPLING. uruqumn rum) NOV. 17. 1906.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALLEN PHILIP BOYER, ()F GOSHEN, INDIANA.

TRACK-COUPLING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 16, 19L6.

Application filed November 17,1905. Serial No. 287,873.

track-sections may be quickly and effectively connected; second, toprovide an im proved track-coupling by which track-sections may beconnected without the use of tools third, to provide an improvedtrackcoupling Which is very simple and economical in structure and atthe same time is strong and readily connects the sections together.

Further objects and objects relating to structural details willdefinitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and meansdescribed in the following specification.

The invention is clearly defined, and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearlyillustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of thisspecification, in which- Figure 1 is a detail side elevation of astructure embodying the features of my invention. Fig. 2 is a detailplan view embodying the features of my invention. Fig. 3 is a detaillongitudinal. section taken on a line corresponding to line 3 3 of Fig.2. Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on a line corresponding to line 44 of Fig. 3.

- In the drawings the sectional views are taken looking in the directionof the little arrows at the ends of the section-lines, and similarletters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the severalviews.

A A represent the track-sections to be connected, and B is my improvedcoupling therefor. The track-sections are preferably made up ofoppositely-arranged angle-rails, the

vertical portions of which are secured together by rivets a.Spacing-blocks a are arranged on the rivets between the rails. Thehorizontal or projecting portions of the .ing the parts in their properrelation.

rails form the tread of the track. In the end of one of thetrack-sections to be joined, as A, I secure my improved coupling B, thesame being inserted between the rails and secured by rivets, as a,arranged therethrough, the coupling being rigidly secured to thistrack-section. The coupling B is provided with a forwardly-projectingdownturned hook portion B, which is engaged over a suitable crossiece onthe track-section A, preferably a rivet, as a. This cross-piece is sospaced in relation to the hook that when the hook is in engagementtherewith the ends of the track-sections to'be joined together abut. Thecoupling B is provided with a flange or plate B on its lower edge whichcontacts with the under side of the rails of the track-section A. Thisflange projects beyond the track-section A and forms a rest for the endof the track-section A, as clearly appears from the drawings. With theparts thus arranged it is only necessary to engage" the hook B of thecoupling over the rivet a of the track-section A and swing thetracksection A up into alinement with the tracksection A, or until itrests upon the flange B, to secure the sections together. Hangers orsupports, as A, are arranged at each side of the coupling. This holdsthe parts effectively in position, and it is not necessary to furthersecure the coupling to the track-section A, although this might be done,if desired. The coupling, even if additional bolts or rivets wereprovided, would be of great advantage as a means for assembling andhold.-

I have illustrated and described thehangers A as supported on rafters A,as is the usual manner of supporting tracks for hay-carriers. Myimproved track-coupling is of particular advantage in tracks foroverhead carriers, such as hay-carriers, owing to the convenience withwhich such sections may be connected in an elevated position thereby. Itis, however, of great advantage for use in other relations, owing to theease and rapidity with which the sections maybe connected, and also itseconomy'of construction. If it is desired to take the track down, it canbe done without in any way destroying the parts and without thenecessity of removing bolts or rivets. The coupling can be secured inthe track-section A in the factory ready for use, which is a very greatconvenience, as less care is required in packing or arranging the partsfor shipment or transportation.

The advantage and economy of the singlepiece coupling will readilyappear to those skilled in theart to which this invention relates. Ipreferably incline the engaging portion of the hook B somewhat, as isillustrated, as this aids in drawing the track-sections together inassembling.

I have illustrated and described my improved track-coupling in detail inthe form preferred by me on account of structural economy and also asapplied to track-sections made up of angleiron. I desire to remark,however, that my improved coupling may be modified considerably in formand structural details without departing from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is v 2. The combination with thetrack-sections formed of angle-rails secured together in a spacedrelation, of a coupling member secured between the rails of atrack-section, having a downwardly-turned hook arranged between therails of the adjacent track-section, and a flange on its under side onwhich the end thereof rests; and a cross-piece on the last-mentionedtrack-section over which said coupling-hook is arranged, for the purposespecified.

3. The combination with the track-sections, of a coupling member securedto a track-section having a forwardly-projecting downwardly-turned hookarranged to engage the adjacent track-section, and a rest for the endthereof, for the purpose specified.

4. The combination with the traclcsections, of a coupling member securedto a'

